While cloud syncing is undeniably convenient, there are some situations where it's unnecessary. Therefore, it's important to know how to disable folder syncing in OneDrive.
If you are a Windows 11 user, you will have already verified that synchronization occurs automatically without the need for you to activate anything. But don't worry, because you can stop it.
Advantages of syncing folders in OneDrive
For most users this functionality is very practical for multiple reasons:
- Remote and real-time access. It allows you to access your files from any device with an internet connection and you can see in real time if any changes have occurred to them.
- File backup and recovery. Automatic synchronization ensures that you always have a copy of your files in the cloud on hand. This way, if something happens, you can recover them without any problem.
- Improved collaboration. If you work as a team, synchronization makes it easier for several people to work on the same document at the same time, and everyone will see the changes that each user makes to it.
- Efficient storage management. Being a cloud system, you can have all the information you need at hand without having to download anything to your device. What's more, if you want to manage your local storage space more efficiently, you can choose which folders to sync and which ones not to sync.
- Security and control. The Microsoft cloud uses an encryption system in transit and at rest that guarantees that your files will always be well protected. Additionally, you can manage access permissions if you share your files with other people.
Why turn off folder syncing in OneDrive?
It is clear that this system has multiple advantages, but there are also a good number of reasons that may make it interesting for you to deactivate synchronization:
Hard drive space saving
If your device is running low on storage capacity, disabling this automatic synchronization will free up some hard drive space.
Bandwidth reduction
Windows 11's default constant synchronization uses more bandwidth, which can be a problem if you have a slow connection or a limited data allowance. In either case, it's best to disable automatic synchronization to save resources.
Synchronized data control
You probably have files or folders that, for privacy or security reasons, you don't want uploaded to the cloud. If so, disabling folder syncing in OneDrive might be the best solution.
System performance
Folder synchronization runs in the background and consumes system resources, which can affect your device's performance. Therefore, if you have an older computer or one with very low technical specifications, it's best to synchronize manually when you deem it necessary.
Avoid sync conflicts
Although the system usually works well, it is not free of errors and failures. If these are common, desynchronization will prevent file conflicts and duplicates or errors from appearing.
Work on local files
If you need to work intensively on a large file that doesn't require continuous syncing, turning off updates will help you work faster and avoid interruptions.
How to disable folder syncing in OneDrive?
There are several options, let's see them:
Turn off automatic folder sync
On your computer, locate the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and click on it to open a pop-up window. Within this window, select "Settings and help" to open a new drop-down menu where you need to select "Settings."
In this new menu, we go to the "Backup" tab and within the "Important PC Folders" menu, we select "Manage backups".
The system then shows us the Desktop, Pictures and Documents folders of which it uploads a backup copy to OneDrive automatically. If you want to pause syncing, all you have to do is click on each folder and leave them unchecked.
Now close the window, go back to “Backup” and navigate to the “Photos and videos” > “Screenshots” section . Uncheck all the options you want to prevent that content from being automatically uploaded to the cloud.
Configure which folders are synced
You don't need to unsynchronize everything, you can have some folders synchronized with your cloud and others not.
To do this, click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and select “Settings and help” > “Settings”, from there go to “Account” and click on “Select folders” > “Choose folders”.
In the new pop-up window that appears, you can choose which folders you want to be available in OneDrive. Those not selected will be hidden in File Explorer. Then, confirm the operation by clicking "OK," and you're all set.
Turn off automatic sync of Office documents
By default, OneDrive synchronizes the Office documents we work with through it. If you don't want this to happen, you can disable this feature.
Click the OneDrive button again and go to "Settings." This time, select the "Office" tab and uncheck the box next to "Use Office apps to sync Office files I open." Click "OK," and you can be sure that your Word and Excel documents won't be automatically uploaded to the cloud.
As you have seen, it is a very simple operation to perform in one direction or another. If at any time you need your folders to be synchronized again, it is as easy as following the steps we have seen and marking the files or folders you want to sync.
Disabling folder synchronization in OneDrive allows you to make better use of the space you have available in your cloud, especially if you haven't switched to Microsoft 365 , as well as protect your privacy.